Speech Therapy for Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement (PVFM)

by Jacky G. Speech Disorders
Baby with Cellphone Cartoon

Image source: Traverustravelraisesbar.blogspot.com

Communication is so vital for navigating the world around us. These days, pretty much everybody has their own cellphone (or two…) and you can’t walk down the street without bumping into somebody texting or yammering away into their Bluetooth headset. But what if you found yourself suddenly unable to speak? Even worse, what if you could barely breathe? If you had paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM), this scenario would be commonplace for you. Fortunately, speech therapy can help.

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An Interview with Jen Krause on Childhood Apraxia

by Jacky G. Interviews
The Krause Kids

Courtesy: Jen Krause

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a neurological motor speech disorder. Children with CAS have difficulty producing sounds and words because their brains cannot properly control the muscle movements that are required for sound. However, with intensive speech therapy, verbalization is possible. Jen Krause of JenKrause.com offers hope of progress for parents of children with CAS. Her son Luke was diagnosed with CAS when he was about two years old and today, he has progressed to the point at which he no longer has a diagnosis of apraxia. Read on to find out Jen’s tips for parents of children with speech disorders. She shares her family’s story of coping with the diagnosis, and Luke’s speech therapist, Elyse Sutherland, discusses the techniques she uses to encourage speech and language development.

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Does Your Child Have Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)?

by Jacky G. Speech Disorders
Child Dressed as Businessman

Image source: Mybanktracker.com

Imagine this. You’re in your office, preparing to make yet another cold call to sell whatever it is your company sells. You dial the prospect’s number and run through the sales pitch in your head. All of a sudden, you can’t deliver it. Your brain knows what you want to say, but your mouth simply won’t say it. All that comes out is a couple of vowel sounds: “Aaa – ooo.” Sounds like a nightmare doesn’t it? This is what children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) deal with every day.

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Best Back-to-School Homework Help Apps

by Jacky G. School
Kitten Using App

Image source: Apartmenttherapy.com

Many children have speech and language issues as a symptom of another condition, such a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or autism. Conditions and disorders such as these often cause other barriers to academic success as well, such as problems with time management, organization, and problem-solving. Some children with a TBI may have difficulty starting a task, for example. Barriers such as these may be difficult to cope with, but equipping your child with the right back-to-school tools can help him reach his academic goals. Your child’s back-to-school tools might include Speech Buddies for articulation or a shiny new iPhone with homework help apps. Many homework help apps assist your child with time management skills and assignment tracking. On the list below, there is also an app that can even encourage vocalization. Standard note-taking apps can also improve writing skills. Many of these apps are designed for older children or high school kids.

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An IEP Review for Special Education

by Jacky G. Individualized Education Program (IEP)
IEP Humor Cartoon

Image source: Familyenjoyinghi5autism.blogspot.com

If your child qualifies for free help in the special education program under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), he will have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This written document spells out the specific services to which he is entitled in school. The IEP team is required to review the IEP annually to determine if it still suits his needs. If it does not, the document will be modified. However, if you believe that your child’s IEP no longer suits his needs prior to the annual meeting, you can request an IEP meeting at any time. It’s a good idea to periodically look over the IEP to refresh your memory and decide if a change is in order. Mark your calendar every few months to remind you to review the IEP. The back-to-school season is one good time to do it.

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